Appeals court reinstates Montana campaign finance limits

[Ptah]

Source: Missoulian.com {Montana}

HELENA — The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reinstated Montana's
campaign donation limits, telling the federal judge who overturned it to
outline his full reasoning so the panel can review the case.

The court intervened late Tuesday less than a week after the judge's
decision opened the door to unlimited money in state elections — during the height of election season.

Conservative groups emboldened by the 2010 U.S. Supreme Court's Citizens United
decision have made Montana the center of the fight over many campaign finance restrictions.

The groups have convinced a federal judge to strike down several laws as unconstitutional,
including the cap on contributions given to candidates by individuals and political parties.



Read more: http://missoulian.com/news/state-and-regional/appeals-court-reinstates-montana-campaign-finance-limits/article_d7e18bfe-12f2-11e2-97bc-0019bb2963f4.html

[cojoel]

1. kind of a strange ending

That decision prompted a new ballot initiative that, if approved in November.

I wonder what, if approved in November, will be the issue. I posted a question as a comment on the article (there are no other comments so far posted; I don't know how many are waiting for approval).

[Bandit]

2. I thought this was already ruled on by the Extreme Court

How old is this article?

[KeepItReal]

3. Yeah, I thought SCOTUS has ended Montana's ban on Corporate Money

Any clarification?

[dmr]

4. I'm confused too, but the article says it was posted an hour ago by AP.

[starroute]

5. It seems to be two different campaign finance laws

The US Supreme Court decision in June struck down a hundred year old Montana law banning corporations from spending money to influence state elections.

The current article speaks of donation limits and says, "The groups have convinced a federal judge to strike down several laws as unconstitutional, including the cap on contributions given to candidates by individuals and political parties."

It also says, Montana has seen many of its laws struck down in the wake the Citizens United decision."

So this is a long, drawn-out battle with many aspects.

[Laelth]

6. Excellent news. k&r n/t

-Laelth